A 3-step eHealth approach to transfer knowledge on HIV and sexual violence in developing countries.

This paper discusses an innovative 3-step eHealth approach to translate research for target audiences' knowledge uptake in developing countries. The first step uses a knowledge transfer model for the identification and packaging of health content as well as the selection of appropriate Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) platforms; followed by consumer health informatics studies to evaluate the efficacy of addressing health consumers' information needs; and the final step recommends forming of strategic partnerships to strengthen and support knowledge transfer and sharing. The 3-step eHealth approach is based on a convergence of ICTs, and application of the practices and principles of informatics and knowledge management. It was refined during the development of AfroAIDSinfo, an AIDS information portal of the SA Medical Research Council (MRC). The approach was evaluated during the forming of a strategic partnership between the AfroAIDSinfo project of the MRC's Web and Media Technologies Platform and the Sexual Violence Research Initiative. The successful outcome of the eHealth approach served to collect evidence for good practice in informatics and knowledge management.